Fatal swimming accident: 33-year-old drowns at Stellbergsee!

Fatal swimming accident: 33-year-old drowns at Stellbergsee!

A tragic swimming accident caused horror on Sunday evening, June 23, 2025, at Stellbergsee in the Schwalm-Eder district. A 33-year-old man drowned in the waters after going swimming with companions. At around 7:50 p.m. the man did not appear again, although other bathers tried to save him. The alarm was triggered immediately and there was a large-scale operation by the rescue services, in which a total of 73 emergency services from the Söhrewald police and fire department, two ambulances, the Christoph 7 rescue helicopter and divers from the Kassel professional fire department were deployed. At 8:45 p.m. the divers were able to recover the man's lifeless body from a depth of around 5 meters. Unfortunately, the emergency doctor's resuscitation measures were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead.

How HNA reported, the police ruled out foul play and ordered an autopsy to clarify the exact circumstances of the fatal accident. It is worth noting that the accident site at Stellbergsee, also known as Mondsee, is difficult to reach and rescue workers were faced with difficult terrain.

Dangers in the water

The Stellbergsee has an area of ​​1.4 hectares and reaches a depth of up to 30 meters. The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) repeatedly warns about the dangers in this place. Thermoclines and temperature differences in particular pose a serious risk for swimmers. These differences can lead to muscle cramps and, in the worst case, cardiac arrest. Additionally, sediment can create whirlpools that pull swimmers downward. Algae growth can also cause panic reactions, which significantly increases the risk of an accident.

Like the DLRG in a current one statistics documented, at least 253 people have drowned in Germany in 2024 so far, which represents an increase of 35 deaths compared to the previous year. What is particularly frightening is that almost 76 percent of those affected are men and older people with previous illnesses are particularly at risk. The DLRG therefore recommends that seniors in particular consult their doctor before swimming in the lake.

A look at the numbers

The increase in drowning accidents is alarming. In 2023, the DLRG recorded a total of 411 fatal accidents in waters in Germany, representing an increase of 31 deaths compared to the previous year. Here, too, it becomes clear that the dangers increase particularly in warm weather and during the holiday season. DLRG President Ute Vogt expressed the hope that people will be made aware of these dangers, especially as the summer months approach.

All bathers should remain vigilant. The DLRG recommends only swimming in guarded swimming areas, avoiding alcohol and drugs and also taking appropriate safety precautions such as life jackets when doing water sports. It is up to each individual to take responsibility to avoid similar tragedies.

The Stellbergsee remains a popular destination for swimmers, but the associated risks should not be underestimated. Last weekend's events are a painful example of how quickly a relaxing dip in the water can turn into tragedy.